Q&A with Sam Chiarella

Artists Incorporated Art Gallery, located in the “Little Red Barn” on Morgan Drive in Vestavia Hills, displays work from more than 50 local artists. On the first Friday of each month, the public is invited to a Featured Artist reception to enjoy refreshments and meet the artists. This month’s featured artist is Sam Chiarella.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have lived in the Birmingham area all of my life. I was educated in local schools and have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Auburn University. I worked for a local company for almost 30 years. Since 2011, I have spent the bulk of my time creating art for Artists Incorporated and the Mountain Brook Art Association Holiday and Spring Shows. Since 1987, I have done numerous works on commission that are displayed on both coasts and various cities in the Southeast including Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville and Miami.  

Over the years, I have shown my work at the Jefferson County Courthouse, Children’s Hospital and Avondale Park. Many of my paintings have been donated to various charitable organizations for auction.  

Describe what type of art you do.

The bulk of my art at this point is creating different still lifes and animals in their normal habitat on wood using putty, heavy gel medium or spackling. After several sandings and reapplying these products, I then start the painting and glazing process.  From start to finish, it usually takes about three to four days to complete one. The finished product has a hard, durable finish and can have that “taxidermy” look to it.  

Where does your inspiration come from?

Back in 2006, I needed a Christmas decoration over my mantel.  I decided to create a pair of angels playing musical instruments by taking two panels of wood and routing them out to create them and the frame.  I then painted and glazed them.  Later that year, I came up with the idea to go a step further by creating some dimension with spackling and wood putty.  The results were even more beautiful.  Since then, I have continued to perfect this process and have been pleased with the outcome.  

What do you enjoy most about creating your art?

I have always enjoyed doing carpentry work, molding and shaping different objects with different materials and, of course, having a paintbrush in my hand. With this process, I get to do all three with every piece of art I create.  

What’s the greatest compliment you’ve ever received about your work?

At the 2012 Mountain Brook Holiday Show, a very well-known and respected local artist, who shows and sells his work nationally and internationally, was very impressed by a still life of oranges I had on display there. I was so excited from the compliment because I knew it came from a very talented source.